Congress asks government to clear confusion about Aadhar card

New Delhi: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday asked the government to clear confusion surrounding Aadhar-linked bank accounts for direct transfer of subsidies under various schemes to beneficiaries.

Raising the issue while participating in a debate on the 2014-15 Budget in the Rajya Sabha, Ramesh said "There is lot of confusion about Aadhar. Is government committed to use Aadhar to eliminate leakage of subsidies? We want clear statement."

About Rs 3.5 lakh crore money goes from exchequer to the individual beneficiary. Direct transfer of subsidies with use of Aadhar-linked bank accounts will eliminate leakages, thereby saving 22-25 percent of money, he said.

As per official data, 73.71 crore Aadhaar enrolments have been done till mid-July.

Addhar was one among several issues that Ramesh raised during the debate.

For fiscal discipline, he suggested the government to relook at the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 and the way fiscal deficit is calculated.

He also asked the government not to weaken the financial health of the Centre while implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).